His career began in New York City at Danny Meyer’s One Hudson Catering and Eleven Madison Park under Chef Kerry Hefferman, before achieving Executive Chef at One If By Land, Two If By Sea for 4 years. He decided to leave the east coast to explore new possibilities and hone his artisanal talents. Freund landed in Denver, and met Troy Guard, (of TAG), where he expanded into Asian Fusion and connected with the rustic flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Under Guard, he executed the opening of TAG Raw Bar and TAG Burger Bar, both receiving acclaim to be top restaurants in Denver. Freund has worked under critically acclaimed Chef Craig Hopson and his accolades include: Beer and Bacon Festival Winner (Denver); James Beard Outstanding Contribution Award (NY); Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
In 2013, Freund returned to Jersey at The Café & Wine Bar in Long Valley, creating seasonal tapas menus and monthly wine dinners. He went on to open Slamwich Scratch Kitchen in Madison, NJ, a concept of what a real delicatessen should be where everything is homemade, from the cured pastrami to the house bread and pickles. Slamwich has been named New Jersey Food Critics Choice for lunch in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. White Birch has been featured as a New Jersey Top 30 Best Restaurants, 2019 and 2020.
Chef Sam Freund is looking forward to having you as his guest at White Birch.
Freund is French trained and holds a culinary degree from the New York Art Institute.
